Stanley Starks
On June 30, 2026, Stanley “Shorty Cool” Starks peacefully departed this life at his home, surrounded by the love of those who cared for him. He was 71 years old.
Stanley was born on June 13, 1955, in Monticello, to the late Rufus and Essie Starks. He accepted Christ as his Savior and was a member of Monticello First Baptist Church. He was educated in the Lawrence County School District and proudly graduated from Monticello High School in 1973.
Following graduation, Stanley answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Navy. After receiving an honorable discharge, he relocated to Gardena, California, where he lived with his sister, Diane. While in California, he was employed by Avis Car Rental, gaining valuable work experience and enjoying a new chapter in life. After spending two years in California, Stanley returned home to Monticello, where he began a career working offshore.
Never one to shy away from hard work, Stanley later discovered a passion for automobiles. Known by many as “Shorty Cool,” he took great pride in keeping vehicles spotless, especially his beloved Trans Am and Oldsmobile Toronado. His love for detailing eventually led him to establish his own auto detailing business. Later in life, he developed a passion for landscaping, providing dependable and quality service to many throughout the community until declining health no longer allowed him to continue.
Stanley enjoyed life’s simple pleasures. He loved cooking and found great joy in preparing meals for his family and friends. His home was always a welcoming place where everyone knew they could find a good meal, laughter, and fellowship. Whether he was firing up the grill or preparing one of his favorite dishes, Stanley enjoyed bringing people together around the table. He also loved music and was rarely without it. Whether he was cooking, detailing a car, working in the yard, or simply relaxing, Stanley enjoyed turning up his favorite tunes, creating an atmosphere filled with laughter, good conversation, and lasting memories.
Stanley had a heart of gold, especially when it came to children. Although he had no biological children of his own, he loved and cared for countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and neighborhood children as if they were his own. His cabinets and refrigerator were always stocked with snacks, juice, popsicles, and sweet treats because he found joy in seeing children smile. His generosity, kindness, and gentle spirit will forever be remembered.
God knew Stanley’s desire to have a family of his own and, in His perfect timing, placed Shirley Gilliard in his life. After 12 years of courtship, they were united in holy matrimony on June 30, 2020. Through this loving union, Stanley was blessed with four children and five grandchildren, whom he loved dearly and proudly embraced as his own.
Stanley was preceded in death by his parents, Rufus and Essie Starks; his sister, Mattie Bridges; his brother, Kenneth Starks; and his sister, Shirley Anderson.
He leaves to cherish his precious memories his devoted and loving wife, Shirley Starks, of Monticello; his children, Vanessa Montgomery, Robert Montgomery, Reginald Montgomery, of Sontag, and Richard (Lisa) Montgomery, of Madison; his cherished grandchildren, Arkalia Dixon, Hannah Fells, Jordan Myers, Gewell Montgomery, and DrayLon Montgomery; his siblings, Diane Hill, of Chandler, Arizona; Donnie Porter, of Mobile, Alabama; and Wayne (Deborah) Starks, of Silver Creek; along with a host of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and many dear friends.
Though his earthly journey has ended, Stanley’s legacy of love, hard work, hospitality, generosity, laughter, music, and unwavering devotion to family and friends will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him.
“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away” (Revelation 21:4 KJV).
